Photo : Messenger
The perilous condition of two crucial bridges in Phulchhari, Gaibandha, is jeopardizing the safety of thousands of daily commuters and risking vehicles.
The bridge over Burail Canal, connecting Phulchhari Upazila Sadar to Boali in Gaibandha Sadar Upazila, collapsed approximately two years ago, disrupting the regular flow of traffic.
Additionally, the foundation of the bridge over the canal on the border of North Kathu on Macher Vita road has been deteriorating for about four years.
Pedestrians, including those using rickshaws, battery-powered auto-rickshaws, and motorcycles, are resorting to perilous makeshift solutions, placing pieces of wood on the broken sections of the bridge deck on Macher Vita Road. Unfortunately, accidents involving pedestrians are becoming a daily occurrence.
Traders in the local haat market are facing extreme challenges due to the inability of heavy vehicles to navigate the broken pavement, hindering the transportation of goods. The precarious situation has also impacted hundreds of students and the general public who travel through these roads, risking their lives each day.
Despite the urgency of the situation, local public representatives and relevant authorities have failed to take any substantial initiative for the renovation of the two bridges. Local residents have reported that repeated appeals to the local government engineering department for the repair of the broken bridges have gone unanswered.
Harunar Rashid, a concerned resident, emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that thousands of people, including students from schools, colleges, and madrasahs, are risking their lives daily. He expressed frustration that, despite repeated pleas, no action has been taken to address the dangerous conditions of the bridges.
On a positive note, with the assistance of a political leader, locals have managed to create a temporary wooden platform for light traffic on the broken part of the bridge near Kartikura. However, this makeshift solution is far from ideal, and the need for a permanent and safer structure is imperative.
Local UP member Amjad Hossain highlighted the severity of the issue, stating that small accidents are occurring daily, and the bridge has transformed into a death trap. He urged authorities to expedite the repair process to avert potential disasters.
In response to the escalating crisis, Phulchhari Upazila Engineer Rafiqul Islam assured that tenders are being issued for the reconstruction of the bridge over the canal on the border of North Kathu on Machervita road. Additionally, measures will be taken to rebuild the bridge over the Burail canal at the border junction by coordinating with higher authorities.
Phulchhari Upazila Executive Officer Anisur Rahman acknowledged the precarious situation and committed to taking immediate action. He pledged to arrange temporary repairs for the two damaged bridges and swiftly communicate with higher authorities to ensure the reconstruction process begins promptly. The safety and well-being of the community are at the forefront of these eff
Messenger/Shakeel/Sun Yath
